The Government have met with representatives of the Catholic Church in only their second meeting as part of 
the “structured dialogue” process set up under the previous administration.
The issue of abortion dominated the meeting, according to a report in the Irish Times.
The Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, led the Catholic delegation, which also included Bishop Colm O’Reilly of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Bishop of Cork and Ross John Buckley and Bishop Brendan Kelly of Achonry.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny led the Government delegation which also included the Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn, the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly and the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Ms Frances Fitzgerald.
Speaking after the meeting Cardinal Brady said the Government had clearly stated its position that it had to legislate for the X-case abortion ruling of 1992.
“We kept insisting on our point of view and I hope we gave them food for thought,” he said.
The Church representatives described the meeting as “respectful and restrained” while the Taoiseach’s spokesman said it had been “cordial, comprehensive and valuable”.
Bishop Colm O’Reilly of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise outlined the Church’s position on abortion.
“We spelled out our position which is unchanged and unchangeable really because of the fundamental problem we have with taking an innocent human life in any circumstances. The Government is under no illusions about that,” he said.
Bishop of Cork and Ross John Buckley said the delegation had enunciated very clearly the teaching of the Church on abortion.
Asked if the bishops had any sense the Government was willing to change direction, Dr Buckley responded: “They listened to our presentations. I am sure they will reflect on what we have said.”
That was confirmed by the Taoiseach’s spokesman who confirmed that the process to introduce legislation and guidelines would be proceeding as planned and would not be changing course.